A north-east council has been accused of putting residents and construction workers’ lives at risk.
Construction unions UCATT and UNITE have claimed Aberdeen City Council has failed to strictly monitor and take effective action against private contractors who flout health and safety rules.
In particular, union officials have raised serious concerns about health and safety failures at the Cornhill School and Community Education Centre, where they claim a private contractor had been carrying out roofing work without proper safety measures in place.
Both Steve Dillon and Tommy Campbell, UCATT and UNITE’s regional officers for the north-east, claim they have been denied access to the full investigation report in the months following the alleged breach.
In addition, the union officials say there are fresh breaches related to the multi-million pound refurbishment of high-rise flats in the Cairncry, Cornhill, Rosehill and Stockethill areas.
Among the issues is a risk of asbestos exposure, and Mr Dillon and Mr Campbell are seeking assurances the proper checks have been done.
As well as this, the officials have questioned Angela Scott, the chief executive of the council, as to why work has not been halted at these sites.
A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said officers were working to address the issues raised by the union officials.
The spokesman said: “The chief executive and her senior management team value their partnership with trades union colleagues and discussions are ongoing to strengthen further joint working within the council.
“A key priority focus for this partnership is of course health and safety. Officers will report to the chief executive early next week on the issues raised by Steve Dillon and Tommy Campbell.
“The report will be completed with trades union involvement and will make clear what actions need to be taken.”